A group of Belgrade-based designers are on a mission to revive the centuries-long craftsmanship of Balkan artisans through sustainable production techniques and the use of locally available materials. Working under the auspices of the Nova Iskra design hub, FOLKK tackles the issue of rural exodus by enabling local makers to sustainably produce homewares such as kilims, pillows, wooden plates, knitting and serving boards.

Envisioned as a decentralized network, FOLKK connects designers and makers to collaborate, learn and create affordable home products imbued with the spirit of sustainability. The team has already gathered over 200 creatives from the Balkan region and selected 12 participants who cooperated with designers to manufacture 30 product proposals. After several months, they produced 10 beautiful prototypes that combine ethnic-styled motifs and local folklore heritage with modern-day functional requirements.

Among FOLKK’s prototypes is a beautiful hand-woven pillow stuffed with unprocessed wool collected from Serbian shepherds. Weavers from the south of Serbia use traditional techniques, looms and tools to make kilims, while the two-sided food plates and modular serving boards showcase the beauty of locally harvested wood.

Two thirds of FOLKK’s revenue goes directly to the makers, while the remaining sum gets reinvested in the development of new products and reaching out to new makers. The team has launched a Kickstarter campaign offering a variety of goodies to backers. The campaign is great opportunity to get your hands on original, hand-made products from the Balkan region, and help keep traditional craftsmanship alive at the same time.